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North Bay veteran Dennis Moore played in a series of hockey games on the frozen Imjin River during the Korean War

Korean War veteran Dennis Moore's story of playing hockey on the frozen Imjin River while on the front line is featured in CBC/Radio-Canada's What's Your Story? - A Canada 2017 Yearbook initiative. Gord Young/The Nugget

Dennis Moore's story of national pride is featured alongside those of dozens of other Canadians in a new CBC/Radio-Canada publication released Thursday.

The North Bay veteran of the Korean War, who took part in a series of historic hockey games on the frozen Imjin River, says the words flowed effortlessly from his fingers.

“My pride in Canada truly started when I was a soldier in Korea in 1950-52. For 98 per cent of my 13 months there, I represented Canada with pride while holding a rifle. For the remainder of my time, I felt the same pride while holding a hockey stick,” writes Moore, in the 220-page book.

The 87-year-old was among a number of Canadian soldiers serving on the front lines in Korea, who put down their guns to take part in a series of hockey games on the frozen Imjin River.

The games were organized after Canada's minister of National Defence saw to it that hockey gear was shipped over following a visit to Korea. There were no tryouts and soldiers with hockey experience were simply enlisted by word of mouth.

For soldiers in a foreign land, Canada's favourite national pastime was a welcome respite to the war, even amid the threat of enemy attack.

“My regiment, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, played the French-Canadian regiment, the Royal 22nd Regiment, the 'Van Doos.' Our team was made up of lads from each province. I believe I am the last surviving team member,” writes Moore. “This game was played in January 1952 on the frozen Imjin River. Our front-line positions and the enemy were a mere five-minute jeep ride to the north. Spectators from many countries – including Korean farmers – lined up along the shoreline and up the slopes. My pride was instantaneous the moment we left our 'dressing tent' and stepped on the ice. It truly moved me.”

Since 2003, the games have been re-enacted annually in what has become known as the Imjin Classic.

And in January, Moore will travel to Paju, Korea, with Senator Yonah Martin and the Canadian Ambassador to South Korea, Eric Walsh, to act as an ambassador at the latest replay.

Moore's story, which was also featured in a Nugget article published in 2015, was among thousands of submissions to CBC/Radio-Canada's What's Your Story? - A Canada 2017 Yearbook initiative.

The bilingual project is aimed at helping to mark Canada's 150th anniversary.

Each story teller describes a moment which they felt proud to be a Canadian. The stories range from touching, inspiring or funny to those that portray a more difficult reality. They include Canadians from every region, of all demographics and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Moore says he's honoured that his story was selected to be included in the publication.

Hardcover editions are available for $29.99 at Indigo, Chapters, Coles and independent booksellers. And, in December, a downloadable digital edition featuring highlights from the yearbook will be available for free.